British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to emphasize the importance of including Kyiv and European leaders in negotiations with Moscow for lasting peace in Ukraine. Starmer’s visit follows French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron’s similar concerns about Trump’s approach to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, which European allies fear may concede too much to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump’s assurances of working towards a beneficial deal for Ukraine, Europe remains wary of his shifting foreign policy focus towards an “America First” stance.

The Trump administration’s recent talks with Russia, excluding Ukrainian and European representation, and its reluctance to blame Russia for the war at the U.N. have strained transatlantic relations. While Trump’s team denies neglecting Europe, doubts persist about the extent of concessions and eagerness for settlement talks with Putin.

Amid these diplomatic tensions, Trump’s upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to involve an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, crucial for various industries. As Europe considers contributing to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Starmer also plans to host a meeting focused on Ukraine in the U.K., reinforcing defense spending commitments and discussing cooperation in cutting-edge technologies.

Starmer aims to emphasize global defense cooperation, economic stability, and technological partnerships, advocating for a united front with allies amidst escalating global risks. The U.K.’s strategic focus on AI and technology aligns with Trump’s emphasis on innovation, signaling potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.